Feel the spray of ocean waves and contemplate the transitory nature of life in some of the most beautiful music ever written. Debussy’s La mer uses subtle orchestral colors and harmonies to create his impressions of the sea. Mahler’s song cycle displays the most expressive vocal writing of his career, relying on brilliantly detailed orchestration as well. From the opening drinking song to the finale bidding farewell to life and love, Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde is one of the most gripping works in all of music.